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Long-time NO TALK Mat-Tricks BJJ Podcast subscribers! I'm doing a new show about Human Evolution! The Podcast is called "Beyond Homo Sapien" and it's available wherever you find Podcasts :) To find the show, just search "Beyond Homo Sapien" anywhere Podcasts are found, on YouTube, or just go to https://beyondhomosapien.com Hope to see you there! We are talking about spiritual awakening, consciousness evolution, AI, blockchain, virtual reality, and, yes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! See you there! -Paul Tokgozoglu

What will Jiu-Jitsu look like in 50 years?  On this Episode of the show, we talk with Kroyler Gracie about the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kroyler is the grandson of Grandmaster Helio Gracie and someone who has been training in BJJ since they were a child. Kroyler started teaching and learning Jiu-Jitsu at a young age and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and information during his time on the mats.  If you enjoy the show, please visit iTunes or Stitcher and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It will help more people hear our conversations and encourage others to start sharing their own message! Show Notes:  Connect with Kroyler Gracie on Facebook or Instagram Kroyler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Elkhart, Indiana, USA Kroyler's Sponsor, Phalanx Athletics, makers of some great Rashguards and BJJ apparel  The match of Filepe Pena vs. Gordon Ryan which Kroyler says is an excellent example of NoGi pressure passing at a high level The Flower Sweep from Closed Guard position  How to setup a few Wristlocks The BJJ Globetrotters group on Facebook where you can find places to train anywhere in the world  

What lessons have you learned from BJJ Podcasts? How have they influenced your game?  These are the questions we set out to answer in this episode of the Mat-Tricks BJJ Podcast with Jeff Shaw. Jeff is the host and creator of Dirty White Belt Radio, a Podcast that serves the Jiu-Jitsu scene in the southern United States, particularly around North and South Carolina Jeff is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who has become known for delivering outstanding podcast episodes with some of the greatest legends in BJJ. Jeff has interviewed the likes of Pedro Sauer, Gary Tonon, Dave Camarillo, and many others throughout the tenure of his podcast In this episode, we share the lessons we've learned from our respective podcasts and find that, in many ways, our guests are giving similar advice :)  Enjoy this episode and make sure you subscribe to the Dirty White Belt Radio so you never miss a show! To support the show, please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes or Stitcher. Thank you! Show Notes:  Connect with Jeff Shaw on Facebook and make sure you subscribe to the Dirty White Belt Radio on iTunes, Stitcher, or Soundcloud The DWB Radio also has an active blog , Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Jeff's episode with Pedro Sauer and Murilo Bustamante  My podcasts with Ruadhan Mac Fadden, Richard Bressler, and Charlie Vinch The Toro Cup, run by Jeff Jeff's episodes with Marc Baquerizo, D'Juan "Dirty South" Owens, and Leka Vieira

Do you want to learn more about the pressure passing game? Wim Deputter is one of the Europe's top black belts and, in this episode, we talk about Wim's pressure style of Jiu-Jitsu and how he structures his game.  Wim is the head coach and owner of Brasa Belgium in Leuven, Belgium. As a competitor, Wim has traveled all over Europe to compete, teach seminars, and make a name for himself. As a coach, Wim has developed one of the best academies in Europe, producing athletes who claim titles of their own on a regular basis.  On this episode of the podcast, Wim discusses teaching Jiu-Jitsu classes, how he trains his students, the strategy behind his world-class game, and how he blends old-school BJJ with techniques that might be considered a bit fancier.  Show Notes:  Connect with Wim Deputter on Facebook or Instagram Brasa Belgium in Leuven, Belgium, is Wim's school where he has worked hard to create one of the best academies in Europe The Yoga for BJJ warmup series we discuss  How to properly frame in BJJ How to execute the pressure passing game The BJJ Globetrotters camp in Leuven where Wim will be teaching this summer

Are you interested in learning more about how to run an outstanding jiu-jitsu tournament?  Marcos Flores is the Director of Tournaments for the USA for Grappling Industries. Never heard of Grappling Industries? You are missing out on one of the best promotions for competitive BJJ events.  Grappling Industries is known for their round robin format, allowance of almost all submissions, and no advantages. Thanks to people like Marcos, they are also known for always running an efficient, fun, and professional event for all attendees.  In this episode, we talk about how to run a good BJJ tournament, what Marcos does to make sure the event ends on time (or early), how he manages the moving pieces from behind the scenes, and we hear some of this thoughts on the current state of competitive jiu-jitsu.  Be sure to compete at the next Grappling Industries event that comes into your area. You will not be disappointed!  Show Notes:  Connect with Marcos Flores on Facebook Grappling Industries website with listing of all their upcoming events. When is the next one coming to your area? Are you going? You should! Also connect with Grappling Industries on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. An explanation of the rules of Grappling Industries and their round robin format. Also, here's the rule set for the IBJJF for comparison.  David Aguzzi, the CEO/President of Grappling Industries.  The Arnold Classic event. This is one of the most famous events in the world for less mainstream sports like strongman, powerlifting, and bodybuilding. Traditionally, the event has hosted a BJJ tournament. Going forward, Grappling Industries is going to be hosting this event.  Oliver Taza's match with Jon Blank at Grappling Industries EBI Qualifier round

Do you want to increase your strength, conditioning, and improve nutrition for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Dr. Jen Case is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renato Tavares. Jen trains under Jason Bircher at Kansas City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Kansas City, Missouri. Jen works for a company called Renaissance Periodization which she started working for in 2014 after leaving work as a Professor at University of Central Missouri. Jen is an expert in strength and conditioning, especially for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and grapplers. Renaissance Periodization is an online personal training company that links athletes with personal training and nutrition specialists to help design a program that caters to the athlete's exact needs. Jen is one of the companies experts when it comes to S&C and nutrition for martial artists.  In this episode, Jen busts some myths that exist in the nutrition and strength training world. I learned so much from this episode and have begun to incorporate many of Jen's recommendations into my life since recording this interview. Check out RP for specific guidance on how you should shape your training and nutrition off the mats! Show Notes! Connect with Dr. Jen Case on Facebook Renaissance Periodization website for all your Strength, Conditioning, and Nutrition needs. The team will match you up with a personal trainer who is specific to your goals. Here's Jen's profile on the site Renato Tavares on BJJ Heroes. Master Tavares is a legend in the community and also the coach of Jen's coach, Jason Bircher. Jason is the owner of Kansas City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (KCBJJ) Here's an article describing Meso/Micro cycles and how they work with your strength training An article from T-Nation talking about the 5/3/1/ program of powerlifting Marcelo Garcia on why he doesn't lift weights and just trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu The Submission Strength program that I mention My interview with Charlie Vinch University of Central Missouri where Jen worked as a professor

Drew Weatherhead is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who created the "Because Jitsu" collection of memes. If you've been on the internet for more than a day, you'll have noticed memes popping up for interests of all sorts under the sun. In my opinion, Drew is one of the best when it comes to making memes for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and everything to do with the culture of our sport. A true comedian, Drew is able to turn just one or two photos into a work of comedy with some photoshop and clever wordplay. Make sure you check out Drew's platforms at the links below for some of the best BJJ humor on the web.  If you like this episode, please give us a 5-star rating and a review on iTunes and/or Stitcher. It's a great way to support the show!  Show Notes:  Because Jitsu on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter The Verbal Tap Podcast, another excellent source for martial arts humor Joe Rogan re-tweeting Drew's meme about Eddie Bravo being Woke AF The Farside series of comics... especially my personal favorite about Karate Submission Ace Championship that Drew works with to create opportunities for submission fighters in Canada Jimmy Pedro and Kosen Judo and how that style of Judo would go on to impact Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Drew's competition on the 6th of May at Submission Series Promotion

Clark Gracie is the grandson of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie and the son of Carley Gracie. Over the years, Clark has distinguished himself as one of the most competitive members of the Gracie family. Clark is the 2016 US National Pro Jiu-jitsu Champion, a 2013 Pan American Champion, and a 2010 New York Open Champion among many other tournaments over the years. I met Clark at a seminar he gave at Ramstein Jiu-Jitsu here in Germany. Clark taught a fantastic seminar revolving around some classic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with his own additions (aka Clarkoplata). I had a great time at that seminar and I was excited when Clark agreed to come on the show and share some of his experience. We had a great chat on the Podcast and I hope you all enjoy!  If you like this episode, please go to iTunes or Stitcher and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to help support the show. Thank you! Show Notes:  Clark Gracie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and BJJ Heroes database Clark's academy in San Diego, California. Clark is currently moving locations and will soon be opening his new academy.  Robin Gracie and his school in Barcelona, Spain Ramstein Jiu-Jitsu club here in Germany Clark's father Carley Gracie coming to Europe in the early 90s to help spread Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Here's a video showcasing Clark's acrobatic style of jiu-jitsu that has made great use of the omoplata submission.  Wim Deputter is one of the top black belts in Europe and he had a great quote about how "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is leaving the door slightly open, luring your opponent in, and hitting him in the neck with a baseball bat".  Here's a video with Andre Galvao showing the lasso guard to omoplata transition Elisabeth Clay winning the ADCC West Coast trials at the age of 16.  Marcelo Garcia's recent speech about the state of Jiu-Jitsu

RIchard Bresler is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who was the first American to ever signup for a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lesson with Rorion Gracie when Rorion first moved to the United States. Richard has been training and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over thirty years. In this interview, we talk about Richard's early days training with the Gracie family, how Gracie challenge matches were carried out, and we speak about the lessons Richard has learned over his decades training in the martial art.  If you enjoy this episode, please go to iTunes and/or Stitcher and leave a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the show! Show Notes:  Richard Bresler on Facebook Video of Richard sparring with the legendary Rickson Gracie Rorion Gracie and his early days teaching Jiu-Jitsu in California The Melt Method for pain free living. Steve Maxwell and his time teaching BJJ at the Gracie Academy Steve Maxwell being interviewed on the Joe Rogan experience podcast Speed vs. Strength training and the importance of technique in BJJ  Phil Migliarese and his academy in Philedelpha: Balance Studios Helio Gracie fighting for over three hours Joe Rogan talking about changing the rules for MMA Damien Maia and Brian Ortega fighting in the UFC, displaying Jiu-Jitsu The Krav Maga academy where Richard is currently teaching The Gracie Diet

Ethan Crelinsten is a brown belt under Firas Zahabi who also spends much of his time training under John Danaher at Renzo Gracie HQ in NYC. Ethan trains regularly with Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan, Eddie Cummings, Georges St.-Pierre, and other legends of BJJ and MMA. In this episode, we chat about how Ethan started training BJJ, how he managed to achieve a high level in a short period of time, and also discuss Ethan's thoughts about travelling around Europe to teach seminars for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the area.  If you enjoy this episode, visit iTunes or Stitcher to give us a 5-star rating and a review. Thank you for the support! Show Notes:  Ethan Crelinsten on Facebook and Instagram Ethan's coaches Firas Zahabi and John Danaher and their respective gyms: Tristar in Montreal and Renzo Gracie HQ in NYC.  Matrix Jiu-Jitsu and the headcoach Rene Becker. Matrix recently hosted Ethan for a seminar which is how this interview happened.  Heidelberg, Germany, and Team Choco under Vinnie Carlucci Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Eddie Cummings  The legendary Georges St.-Pierre

Oliver Taza is one of the up-and-coming talents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is a brown belt under Firas Zahabi who also spends much of his time training under John Danaher at Renzo Gracie HQ in NYC. Oliver trains regularly with the likes of Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan, Eddie Cummings, Georges St.-Pierre, and other legends of BJJ and MMA. In this episode, we chat about life as a professional athlete, training under John Danaher, and talk about Oliver's recent experience competing at the Eddie Bravo Invitational tournament.  If you enjoy this episode, visit iTunes or Stitcher to give us a 5-star rating and a review. Thank you for the support! Show Notes:  Oliver Taza on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Oliver's coaches Firas Zahabi and John Danaher and their respective gyms: Tristar in Montreal and Renzo Gracie HQ in NYC.  Matrix Jiu-Jitsu and the headcoach Rene Becker. Matrix recently hosted Oliver for a seminar which is how this interview happened.  Tom Deblass and his gym in New Jersey Bronx Martial Arts where many of the Renzo Gracie HQ athletes go for additional training Matt Sera's gym where the UFC legend regularly teaches and trains Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Eddie Cummings  The legendary Georges St.-Pierre UFC Fighter Tom Breese

Muhsin Corbbrey is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Loyd Irvin and also a Kru in Muay Thai. Muhsin has a professional MMA career filled with extremely exciting matches against some of the best in the sport. If you follow Muhsin on social media, you'll find yourself becoming more educated about politics, martial arts, social problems, philosophy, history, and a variety of other topics.  In this episode, we do not spend too much time discussing martial arts and instead do a deep dive into social problems facing America and how we as martial artists should act or react in the world. Muhsin is well educated in politics, criminal justice, history, world religion, and, of course, BJJ/MMA/Muay Thai and it was an honor to have him on the show.  If you enjoy this episode, visit us on iTunes or Stitcher and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the podcast. Thank you!! Show Notes:  Musin Corbbrey on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Team Lloyd Irvin and Tiger Muay Thai where Muhsin has worked hard to develop his skills in the martial arts.  Boston University graduate program where Musin is a student. Muhsin's gym called Champion Training Center where he trains, teaches, and runs a great business.  Becoming a Kru in Muay Thai Muhsin's MMA profile The rapper Immortal Technique Ben Carson talking about slaves as immigrants coming over on ships Proverb about speaking out against evil The DeRose Method of Yoga

Toney Waldecker is a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Grandmaster Relson Gracie. Toney has been coaching BJJ and MMA for an extremely long time and he has developed an expert opinion on training in either style of fighting. In this episode of the show, we talk about Toney's experiences training high level MMA fighters, teaching BJJ competitors how to succeed in competition, and some of his thoughts on training for street or sport Jiu-Jitsu. If you enjoy this episode, please visit iTunes or Stitcher to give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the show!  Show Notes:  Toney Waldecker on Facebook and Kaizen MMA where Toney regularly can be found teaching high level MMA and BJJ.  Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Maryland, owned by Mike and Jordan Stewart, with locations in Columbia and Finksburg, MD.  Relson Gracie and an explanation of the Vale Tudo Guard system.  Brian Ortega in the UFC and utilizing strikes from the bottom guard. Phil and Ricardo Migliarese and my episode with Phil that can be found at this link. Fighters Garage in VA Conor McGregor and some of his media exploits Wintensity, a mental development program for athletes Yoga for BJJ, a fantastic resource for athletes looking to improve their overall health. 

Christopher Odell is the creator, owner, and operator of Datsusara. Christopher's company produces some of the best hemp gear for Jiu-Jitsu athletes including Gis, hoodies, t-shirts, bags, wallets, and other apparel. In this episode, we discuss how Chris started one of the most high quality brands in BJJ and how he uses Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training to overcome adversity in his life. Enjoy!  If you have been enjoying the show, please visit iTunes or Stitcher and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the show!  Show Notes: Chris' company Datsusara on their own website, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube! Check them out for some of the best hemp gear on the market.  Christopher hosts an awesome Podcast and you can check that out here.  Tim Ferriss and his book the Four Hour Workweek. Tim also did a case study on Datsusara where he analyzed how the company is similar to what he outlines in his book. Tim's work inspired Chris to start Datsusara back in 2007 when hemp was barely known as such a useable source for clothing.  This link is to an article breaking down the benefits of hemp and how it works as a fabric. Here's a resource about how hemp is produced.

Ruben Alvarez is a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Tom Deblass. Originally, Ruben trained under Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu and has since joined the Deblass association along with the likes of Freddy Trillo, Josh Hayden, and some other incredible BJJ athletes and instructors. Ruben is skilled in the NoGi game and well versed in leglocks, kimuras, and wrestling techniques.  In this episode, we talk about Ruben's experience training under Tom Deblass and why Ruben decided to join the team. Additionally, Ruben has lately been getting into shooting and we talk about how shooting can help Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and vice versa. Towards the end, we discuss junior black belts, so-called "leglock experts", and some stories from Ruben's experience as a bouncer.  If you enjoy this episode, please visit iTunes and/or Stitcher and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the show. Thanks for listening!  Show Notes:  Ruben Alvarez on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Give Ruben a follow/like/share/Tweet/Gram for some regularly posted content :D  Ruben's sponsor "No Judges Needed". Use the code work RubenBJJ to get yourself a discount Ruben's other sponsors include the BJJ Box and Wintensity. Ruben also gave a shoutout to his Strength and Conditioning provider at Fast Twitch Satojuko Karate, Aikido, and Tension Aikido where Ruben got his start training martial-arts early in life Mike Cardosa, Ruben's very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Tactical Shooting and Inherent Threat Resolutions. Ruben has recently started training in shooting to improve his BJJ and increase his ability to protect himself. Here's a video breaking down proper shooting technique. Notice the similarities to BJJ Tom Deblass and his association out of OCBJJ Josh and Jason Hayden and the 80/20 Leg Surfing DVD Gracie Fishhawk, the academy owned and operated by the Hayden brothers Freddy Trillo and his academy in Miami, Florida The legendary Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu, Ruben's first instructor  The book called the Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson Renato Tavares and the controversy surrounding Junior BJJ Black Belts. My friend Mike Stewart Jr. posted the original photo and info that stirred up a little controversy in the BJJ world. Here's an article summarizing what happened My podcast with Dean Lister where he talked about how to identify a "leglock expert"

Charlie Vinch is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Phil Migliarese. Charlie previously came on the show to talk about owning a BJJ academy, living the martial arts lifestyle, and training under the Relson Gracie lineage. This week, Charlie delves into some deeper topics including the power of the mind, recovering from serious injury, and some of his own personal life philosophy. This is a powerful episode, especially if you're dealing with a life altering injury that is preventing your progress in the martial arts.  Please share this episode with any of your friends or training partners who might be dealing with a serious injury.  If you enjoy the show, visit iTunes or Stitcher and give us a rating and a review. It's an excellent way to support the Podcast.  Show Notes:  Budo Martial Arts Studio in Ewing New Jersey. Charlie Vinch on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you or someone you know is dealing with a serious injury, feel free to reach out to Charlie. Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, two of the best in the business when it comes to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Balance Studio owned by the Migliarese brothers where Charlie took his martial arts journey to the next level.  Mike Stewart and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Maryland for all your Gracie Jiu-Jitsu needs in Maryland. Podcast with Tim Ferriss and Josh Waitzken talking about how Josh raises his kids.  The video made by Rickson Gracie talking about the importance of loyalty to your BJJ instructor and school The Vogel brothers on the Take it Uneasy Podcast Rick Tucci  Erik Paulson and his shoot fighting specialty  Podcast with Phil Migliarese about his accident and how it affected his life and training. Also here's my own interview with Phil that was posted a few weeks ago.  The Zen Way to the Martial Arts by Taisen Deshimaru Charlie's blog with content about labrum tears and hip resurfacing  Les Brown and Tony Robbins, two of Charlie's favorite people to learn from when it comes to training the mind The book called As a Man Thinketh by James Allen Joe DeSena and the Spartan Race. Here's an interview with Joe on the Barbell Shrugged podcast. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Steve Maxwell on the Joe Rogan Podcast and also a link to his 2min/1rep workout... I tried it out and it's brutal Rener and Ryron Gracie  Renaissance Periodization and Dr. Jen Case. The Barbell Shrugged Podcast and my interview with Mike Bledsoe    

Miha Perhavec is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Darragh O Conaill. Originally, Miha comes from Slovenia and he's previously trained Judo at the highest levels in his home country. Recently, Miha won a match on the Polaris 4 undercard, utilizing his powerful heel hook technical mastery. This very weekend, Miha also dominated the Subover80 invitational tournament, winning all 4 matches by heel hook.  Miha has lived an exciting life that encapsulates the journey shared by many trying to make a name in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At times, Miha lived in a dojo, worked jobs to just get by while training full time, traveled all over the world to compete, and had some wars in both small and larger tournaments. If you're someone who wants to compete full-time in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Miha is an outstanding role model who exemplifies the mental toughness needed to succeed.  Many folks in the BJJ community might know Miha as the marketing and technical genius behind Yoga for BJJ. Miha helps run this service with the one and-only Sebastian Brosche from Frontline in Oslo, Norway. I talk about this website on the show all the time and it was awesome to have Miha on the show to hear about his journey.  Show Notes:  Miha has a website where you can see what he's been doing lately Miha Perhavec on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram Here's an interview that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Eastern Europe (BJJEE) did with Miha Yoga for BJJ website and YouTube channel with some free videos Sebastian Brosche and Miha engaged in some fun sparring sessions and sent them to us to feature on the Mat-Tricks YouTube channel. Here's Part 1 and here's Part 2 Scramble Brand website for your BJJ needs My team in Szczecin, Poland: Koch Team Jiu-Jitsu Miha winning ADCC championships in Poland via a flying armbar Miha competing on the undercard at Polaris 4 and dominating the competition at Subover80 this very weekend, winning all 4 matches by heel hooks. Here's an explanation of the rules in Judo and click here to watch some highlights of Judo in the UFC or other MMA promotions Sebastian Brosche is the creator of Yoga for BJJ and I got to do a Podcast with him a few ago which you can hear by clicking here Brock Lesner in the UFC Alliance Slovenia is where Miha trained before moving to Frontline in Oslo, Norway Roger Gracie and Victor Estima, two of the greatest of all time Alliance Warsaw where Miha trained during his time in Poland under a study abroad program that allowed him to train full-time while also completing studies.  Kurt Osiander shares the feared heel hook in a Gi East Coast Academy in Dublin where Miha currently trains under Darragh O Conaill Barbell Shrugged is a podcast for Crossfit, Weighlifting, Strongman, and other strength and conditioning oriented sports. We discuss this podcast and also Mike Bledsoe, the host of the show who has also appeared on the Mat-Tricks Podcast. The Tools of Titans is a book by Tim Ferriss that summarizes many of the most important lessons Tim has learned from his Podcast, the Tim Ferris Show

Erik Owings is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.. Erik trained predominantly under John Danaher at the Renzo Gracie academy in NYC and now owns his own academy called Mushin Mixed Martial Arts, also in NYC. In addition to being an accomplished BJJ black belt, Erik is an expert in strength and conditioning, "functional fitness", postural exercises, proper breathing, nutrition, and all facets related to health and performance. Erik worked with Georges St-Pierre to develop the Rushfit series of workout DVDs to help make excellent workouts easier for the average person to access at home.  This episode is a bit different than our usual format. Erik was kind enough to do a Q&A session using questions that were generated here at Mat-Tricks by talking among our team and with a few of our listeners. This is a format we've become interested in using. Let us know if you like it! Here were the questions that we asked Erik:  1. I’m fascinated by your posts on Facebook. In many, you write about the importance of efficiency. In one of your recent posts about developing a luxury BJJ gym, you wrote that your students are training a max of 4-5 hours a week. How do you structure each training session to provide your students with maximum learning benefit? I would imagine each session must have ample thought and planning in order to maximize results. 2. Similar to the last question, you’ve said before that you could take someone all the way to black belt in 2-3 years. When you expanded on that post, you explained it would involve many private lessons, tough physical training, and incredible focus involved in each session (forgive me if I’m missing any points). Can you provide insight into what these private lessons would entail? Would the physical conditioning aspect be a part of the private lessons or would that be done separately?   3. Many of your posts are about physical training, body flexibility, mobility, and other aspects of overall health. How much should a competitive BJJ athlete focus on strength training outside of the academy? How many sessions a week would you encourage?   4. What is your opinion on athletes who ONLY train Jiu-Jitsu and do little to no outside strength specific training. Are they setting themselves up for injury or do you think it could be sustainable? 5. You recently asked people on your page how they would define “functional fitness”. The responses were great from a wide variety of people. What were your thoughts about this thread and how would you yourself define functional fitness? 6. For an athlete who wants to start getting involved in “functional fitness”, what would you recommend? Where should they start? Yoga? Gymnastics? Etc. What are some good sources on the internet for programming? 7. You’re currently working on a book and your excerpts so far have been extremely informative. What types of information are you trying to include and what information are you most excited to share? 8. You write often about posture, the dangers of sitting too long, and how a bad posture can reverse time spent in the gym. Can you explain more in depth? 9. Building off the last question, for someone who works an 8-hr per day desk job, does not have the option to quit at the moment (or maybe they love their job), and also trains BJJ and wants to be in excellent shape… what is their best course of action for staying healthy and improving their posture? 10. What are three (or less/more) of the biggest takeaways you had from training with John Danaher? Both of you post often about efficiency in training. Is this something you learned from him or do you think that you both learned from another source (Renzo Gracie perhaps?)? Show Notes:  Erik Owings on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Mushin Academy in NYC John Danaher, Renzo Gracie, and Carlos Gracie Jr. Rushfit DVD series developed by Erik and Georges St-Pierre. A breakdown of Crossfit and how it defines "functional fitness"  Renzo Gracie HQ in NYC

Phil "Jiu-Jitsu Matrix" Migliarese is a 5th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Grandmaster Relson Gracie. Phil owns Balance Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has been training BJJ since the early 90s when the Jiu-Jitsu scene was just beginning in the United States. In addition to training Jiu-Jitsu, Phil is a master Yogi and a world class Yoga instructor who has traveled the world studying different Yoga styles. Phil developed a DVD called Yoga for Fighters which has benefited both martial artists and non-martial artists alike.  In this episode, we talk about Phil's early days training BJJ with the Gracie Family, Phil's view on new vs. old styles of Jiu-Jitsu, training Yoga to improve your life, and a ton of other topics.  If you enjoy this episode, please visit iTunes and give us a 5-star rating and a review. It's a great way to support the show. Thank you for listening!  Phil Migliarese on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn Phil's school, Balance Studios, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Phil and his brother, Ricardo Migliarese, train and teach.  Yoga for Fighters, the DVD that Phil created to help martial artists, and regular folks, improve their flexibility, strength, and overall lifestyle.  Ashtanga Yoga, the style practiced by Phil Gracie in Action DVD series that first got Phil (and many other people) and his brother into training Jiu-Jitsu Phil's first instructor, Steve Maxwell. A true pioneer in Jiu-Jitsu, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle.  Different members of the Gracie family we discuss in the interview include Relson Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rener and Ryron Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Carlos Gracie, and Helio Gracie. A breakdown of the Gracie Diet and how it helps members of the Gracie family to conserve energy, live a healthier lifestyle, and teach BJJ well into the later years of their lives. Eddie Cummings, leglock wizard, who trains under John Danaher Fabio Santos in San Diego, instructor to Dean Lister who is my coach's coach.  Phil's brother, Ricardo Migliarese, in a traditional style Gracie Challenge match How to do a belly-down ankle lock The mystical art of Ninjutsu! Yoga for BJJ, an online Yoga resource for BJJ fighters developed by black belt Sebastian Brosche

Mike Bledsoe is the host and co-founder of the outstanding Barbell Shrugged and Barbell Business podcasts. Barbell Shrugged is a podcast about strength and conditioning that interviews the best in the Crossfit, Strongman, Powerlifting, Weightlifting, and nutrition communities. If you're looking for the latest information about getting in incredible shape, Barbell Shrugged is one of the best resources in the industry. Barbell Business is a Podcast for gym owners who want to grow and expand their business, improve their quality of life, and design a lifestyle that matches their dreams.  In this episode, we talk about best practices for grapplers who want to improve their strength, conditioning, and overall health. We get into recovery methods, breathing techniques, types of exercises that will improve grappling strength, and numerous other topics. If you like this episode, make sure you check out Barbell Shrugged and Barbell Business.  Thank you for listening!  If you enjoy this episode, please visit iTunes and give us a 5-star rating and a review :)  Show Notes:  Mike Bledsoe on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn Barbell Shrugged Podcast for all your questions and interests related to strength, conditioning, and nutrition.  Barbell Business Podcast for gym owners who want to expand their business and improve their quality of life.  We talk about the benefits of Clubs and Maces. Here's a video breaking down the basics of how to use a club or a mace. Here's where you can buy some clubs or maces of your very own. Here's some of the latest Barbell Shrugged episodes talking about the importance of breathing. Interviews with Max Shank, Brian Mackenzie, and PJ Nestler A video breaking down the Wim Hof method, cold baths, and recovering from BJJ training Mike recommends pushing a sled to increase your cardio. He says that this is a super effective method for BJJ athletes who want to increase their stamina without beating up their bodies too much. Here's some basic ways to use a sled and here's an article on how to make one.